Book Finder

Travel the world through traditional stories, just right to read aloud and share with children of different ages. Featuring stories of mermaids, ocean gods, magical fish and majestic dragons, there is something for everyone in this collection of tales inspired by watery worlds.

Max accompanies his mother on a research trip to the Texas Gulf Coast. There he finds a beached octopus and works with others to rescue her. Named Ursula, the octopus helps Max come into his own in this moving, realistic story. 

The life of a sea turtle born at the Ría Lagartos nature reserve in Mexico is dramatically presented in realistic yet expressive illustrations and carefully crafted narration. A note from the author describes her interest in wildlife and suggests tangible ways to help sea life. Additional information is also presented.
 

Mousse, the green-and-white-striped character first introduced in A Day with Mousse, decides to travel south with Barnacle, his walrus friend. Soon they are joined by another friend … is three a crowd? Original characters in lighthearted illustrations combine with an accessible tale of jealousy and friendship in this humorous and recognizable story.

Winner of the 1947 Caldecott Medal, this beautifully moving story centers around a little island in the midst of the wide ocean, and the curious kitten who comes to visit. As the seasons pass, the island and the creatures who call it home witness an ever-changing array of sights, smells, and sounds — proving that, no matter how small, we are all an important part of the world. Inspired by the author’s summer visits to Acadia National Park.

Follow a raindrop as it falls into the Mekong River on its journey to the ocean. Along its way, it sustains plants, animals, and people, presented here in crisp text and informative illustrations.

Inspired by actual animals in the Monterey Bay Aquarium, meet an orphaned sea otter who learns to help other orphaned baby otters. Lush illustrations enhance the tone and power of Odder’s story. (Adapted from Applegate’s best-selling middle grade novel of the same name, Odder.)

Watch colors change when immersed in water in each sturdy book in this series designed to make bath time playful.

After a natural death, a whale provides continued life for numerous sea and land creatures for many years. Follow one 90-year-old whale in its environment and after its life has ended, through accessible language and highly informative illustrations in this stunning book.

Although two-thirds of the world is covered by oceans, a mere five percent of them have been explored. Readers are invited into the history of diving through engaging, realistic illustrations and informative narration, from ancient times to the present.  An author’s note and additional backmatter conclude this attractive book.

What is better than a warm day at the beach? A gentle rhyme accompanied by lightly hued illustrations detail the joyful day a group of children and their adult share on such a day.

Bunny’s predictable vacation by the sea is upended with the arrival of Bob, a purple monster. At first Bunny is pleased when a storm ruins Bob’s belongings, but a change of heart allows her to find a friend and new ways to share the seaside. Humorous, detailed illustrations contrast Bunny’s and Bob’s size and their approaches to life.

The deep-sea submersible named Alvin can carry three people. “In its [50 year] lifetime, Alvin has changed minds, science, and lives.” Join the exploration of how this was achieved in an accessible but fully sourced narrative, punctuated with black and white photographs.

Though a whale dies and sinks to the ocean floor, it creates life that is sustained for another 50 years. Illustrations evoke the deep water while introducing the various creatures that come to feed on the carcass over time. Additional information adds depth to the riveting exploration.

When Ms. Frizzle drives the Magic School Bus full speed ahead into the ocean, the class takes a submarine expedition that’s anything but ordinary. With a well-meaning lifeguard in tow, the class takes a deep breath and learns about hot water vents, coral reefs, plant and animal life on the ocean floor, and more!

Young readers will explore the evolving terrain and animals of the Galápagos in this nonfiction picture book. Charles Darwin first visited the Galápagos Islands almost 200 years ago, only to discover a land filled with plants and animals that could not be found anywhere else on earth. How did they come to inhabit the island? How long will they remain? Thoroughly researched and filled with intricate and beautiful paintings by award-winning author and artist Jason Chin.

Twenty years after being injured, rehabilitated, and living in a South African aquarium, Yoshi traveled home. The true story of the loggerhead sea turtle’s 1003-day journey was tracked by scientists around the world as he traveled 25,000 miles to Australia. Dramatic illustrations and complete backmatter create a book that can be shared on many levels.

Follow a bowhead whale over her very long life in the Arctic. The world’s longest living mammal starts over 200 years ago and continues to today in an ever-changing sea. Accessible text and evocative illustrations conclude with additional information and further resources.The author is a Smithsonian marine specialist. 

Sharks have been around since prehistoric times. Discover the well-researched history of these ocean-dwelling creatures (and some of the scientists who study them), presented in a large, heavily illustrated format just right to dip into or to read cover to cover.

A child wonders as she wanders on the beach while visiting grandparents. Lush, textured illustrations echo and expand the child’s musings on a glorious day. Husband and wife creators capture this joy-filled experience.  

Bea loves lions but does not like sand — “too gritty, too sticky and too scratchy” — and so she is not thrilled when her mother tells her that they’re heading to the beach. But a sand lion and imagination help Bea recognize the joy of being seaside. End papers are filled with information about lions in this childlike, joy-filled book. Also available in Spanish/English: Bea en el mar/Bea by the Sea.

Rich in folklore and local culture, this graphic novel aimed at emergent readers offers a window into the world of Arctic First Nations families and legends. The two protagonists have a typical sibling dynamic as younger brother Putuguq tags along and annoys his older sister Kublu. On the way to meet a friend near the ocean, the duo run into their grandfather. He warns them to steer clear of the shoreline, lest they become victims of the Qalupalik, a nightmarish, mermaidlike creature who captures those who wander too close to the water. A map orienting readers to Putuguq and Kublu’s snow-covered village showcases an array of homes on stilts, many with snowmobiles (and sled dogs) outside.

While visiting the beach, the narrator declares that she will build a sandcastle — one with turrets and more. Build she does, which attracts royal visitors who become disenchanted with their sandy food. Imagination reigns in the detailed illustrations, until a wave allows the girl to begin anew.

Very Big Crab reassures Little Crab when they leave their tiny tidal pool for the large sea. Few details are needed as illustrations swirl expressively across pages as the pair makes their way to the joys that they find in the ocean.